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Summary
Cytological examinations of cerebrospinal fluid reveal methotrexate-induced morphological changes in patients undergoing intrathecal therapy. These changes, including nuclear fragmentation and cytoplasmic vacuoles, vary based on cell type and treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Cytopathology
Background:
- Intrathecal methotrexate is a common treatment for central nervous system malignancies.
- Monitoring treatment efficacy and side effects requires understanding cellular changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the cytological alterations in CSF during intrathecal methotrexate treatment.
- To characterize the morphological effects of methotrexate on various cell types.
Main Methods:
- Performed 240 cytological examinations on CSF samples from 45 patients.
- Conducted serial investigations on 16 patients undergoing intrathecal methotrexate therapy.
Main Results:
- Identified distinct mechanisms of nuclear fragmentation.
- Documented various types of cytoplasmic vacuoles.
- Observed specific reticulo-histiocytic reactions.
- Morphological changes were cell-type dependent and correlated with therapeutic response.
Conclusions:
- Methotrexate induces characteristic morphological changes in CSF cytology.
- Cellular response and type influence the manifestation of methotrexate's effects.
- Cytological analysis aids in monitoring intrathecal methotrexate therapy.